New Students

It is important to complete all of the necessary tasks prior to arrival on campus.

• If you are entering The New School in the fall semester, please see the Fall Entry Checklist page for information about your arrival.
• If you are entering in the spring semester, please see the Spring Entry Checklist page for information.

New students entering in the Fall will receive an email in late June detailing information about the online Narwhal Transitions course on Canvas. This non-graded course will introduce you to resources, policies, and tips to help you during your first year at The New School. The course has new content released bi-weekly between June 23 - August 4. Be sure to complete the entire course prior to the start of the fall semester.

Every other Wednesday from June 25 - August 6, 2025, new students will have the opportunity to engage in conversations with various offices across the university. These talks will take place via Zoom at 3:30pm EST on June 25, July 9, July 23, and August 6. They will be recorded and added into the canvas course for those who cannot attend.

All new undergraduate students are required to live on campus unless they have an exemption.

If you’ll be living on campus, you will move into the residence halls on August 16 or 17 by appointment.

Information to sign up for Move-in appointment will be emailed In July after assignments have been issued. Have questions about move-in? Send an email to [email protected].

All new students are expected to participate in Orientation from August 18-22, 2025.

Registration for Orientation opens on July 1, 2025.

During Orientation, you'll attend info sessions, walking tours, and activities to prepare you for life at The New School. Some sessions will be general for all students, while some will be specific to your college or program.

Download the Narwhal Compass app via Apple, Android, or Google devices. Just search Narwhal Compass in the App Store.

If your parents and family members are also planning to attend sessions, they will need to register on the Family Orientation page.

After Orientation, check out Narwhals Discover: The First Fifty Days, a series of events and activities curated by the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement! This series includes Welcome Week events and beyond. The more you stay connected in your first 50 days at The New School, the more successful you'll be.

Need help? Email [email protected].